Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune is done for the year, not because of any injury she sustained during the Olympics, but rather because she hurt her knee throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before a Nationals game last week.
Bethune, a 23-year-old attacking midfielder with four goals for Washington in 2024, was invited with some other Olympians to see the Nats host the visiting New York Yankees on August 28.
And although she didn't appear to be in any pain after sailing the ceremonial first pitch over the backstop's head, it has now been revealed that she tweaked her knee on the mound.
Subsequent testing has revealed that she tore meniscus in her knee.
The source of the injury would never have been discovered were it not for Spirit coach Jonatan Giraldez, who told reporters this week.
Croix Bethune throws out the first pitch before the game between the Nats and Yankees
Bethune is considered one of the country's brightest young soccer talents after winning NWSL Rookie of the Month for March/April, May and June. She is the only NWSL player ever to win the honor in consecutive months.
Bethune was the third pick of the 2024 NWSL Draft following an All-American collegiate career at Georgia.
One of two children born in an Air Force family, Bethune began playing soccer at age four as her family was moving to England for nearly four years. Without a girls team in the area, Bethune played with the boys, and by the time she returned to the US, was considered one of the best players at her young age.
Bethune did previously tear an ACL in her knee in high school, but it's unclear if this is the same joint she hurt previously.
She appeared in one game for Team USA en route to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics last month.